Cons

King mattresses in standard rooms are two twins pushed together (typical of European hotels)

Only light food available on-site

Bottom Line

The Room Mate chain uses funky, bright design throughout their hotels, and the 75-room Oscar is no different. Rooms are quirky with curving furniture, tons of space, flat-screen TVs, and modern bathrooms. Bright colors and a focus on unique touches makes for a nice break from generic chains, but adventurous design shouldn't be confused with luxury: Beneath the playful furniture, this hotel is still very much a value property. However, hotel amenities include a year-round rooftop pool and a rooftop bar/lounge with incredible views of Madrid. Suites offer extra features such as big balconies, even larger bathrooms, and soaking tubs. There are also a few nice perks including free Wi-Fi and free apples in the lobby, but the TV only has Spanish-language channels and the property isn't very family-friendly.

Flights for this trip with Skyscanner.com

Oyster Hotel Photos

Oyster Hotel Review

In Chueca, the heart of Madrid's gay district, near the bustling shops of Gran Via

The Room Mate Oscar faces a pedestrian plaza on a small street parallel to Gran Via, a historic avenue that runs right through the heart of Madrid. There are dozens of restaurants and cafes nearby, and many major attractions such as Cibeles, El Prado Museum, Puerta del Sol, and Plaza Mayor are within easy walking distance.

Chueca, with its narrow, winding streets full of small, intimate restaurants, lively bars, and gay-friendly venues, is one of the nightlife hot spots in Madrid. It has a decidedly small-town feel to it, but it is undergoing a major overhaul, and areas that were somewhat forgotten are now must-sees, such as San Anton Market, a three-story marketplace with wonderful stores and a beautiful rooftop terrace open year round. From Thursday to Sunday night, hordes of young locals and tourists alike go bar-hopping, have tapas or a nice, romantic dinner with their significant other, and dance until the early morning in this buzzing, young neighborhood.

Gran Via is one of the main thoroughfares in central Madrid, so expect crowds and traffic day and night. The subway, bus, and train are nearby, but most sights are within walking distance.

19-minute drive to Madrid-Barajas Airport

Steps to restaurants, bars, shopping, and nightlife

6-minute walk to Puerta del Sol

9-minute walk to Cibeles

11-minute walk to Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

12-minute walk to Plaza Mayor

12-minute walk to Puerta de Alcala

15-minute walk to Retiro Park, Madrid's most famous garden

17-minute walk to Plaza de Oriente, home to the Royal Palace, the Royal Theater, and Sabatini Gardens

18-minute walk to El Prado Museum

18-minute walk to upscale shopping on Serrano Street

20-minute walk to La Almudena Cathedral

22-minute walk to La Latina, a nightlife hotspot

22-minute walk to Reina Sofia Museum

25-minute walk to Templo de Debod Park, with great views and an original Egyptian temple